2017 Player Reviews: # 25 Tom McDonald

[Demonland 74,430]

FORWARD SURPRISE

Tom McDonald was something of a revelation when out of necessity was moved out of defence and into a back up ruck and forward role. Highlight was the match winning effort up forward against the Eagles.

 

 

Date of Birth: 18 September, 1992

Height: 194cm

Weight: 101 kg

Games MFC 2017: 22

Career Total: 126

Goals MFC 2017: 23

Career Total: 31

 

Season 2017 AFL Statistics

 

Kicks: 227

Handballs: 161

Disposals: 388

Marks: 139

Scores: 23 goals 7 behinds

Goal Assists: 9

Tackles: 50

Hitouts: 53

Clearances: 19

Clangers: 74

Inside 50s: 46

Rebound 50s: 43

Frees For: 19

Frees Against: 3

[poita 3,944]

Tom was fantastic in a variety of roles up until round 21, and I expect him to finish top 3 in the B&F.

Unfortunately his performance in the last two rounds, particularly against Collingwood, was dire and he was a major reason why we couldn't get the job done. Hopefully that spurs him over the off season to ensure that it never happens again.

I believe Tom is out of contract again at the end of next season. For me, he is by far the most important signing we have to make next season, and even more so if Watts leaves. Expect him to put his hand out for at least as much as Lever is getting offered, and fair enough too. Hopefully we can lock him away for a lengthy period, at least four years.

 

[whatwhat say what 23,854]

i want him played as a permanent forward / relief ruck in 2018

it's where he seems to play his best football, with his attack on the ball in the air and defensive efforts at ground level pretty impressive

to play primarily as a defender for the majority of games and still end up with more goals than games, and accurately at that with 23 goals 7, and 19-3 free kick count in his favour, is super impressive

 

[Jibroni 5,057]

I agree he showed great strength and mobility as a forward and would be a great support for Jesse; 40 goals is very achievable.

[beelzebub 23,392]

well, going forward, things look much better

[Rodney (Balls) Grinter 11,064]

Has always been tallent and like the way he goes about his business with a minimum of fuss.

Was a little dicky in front of goals in his first few forays forward, but it's pretty clear that once he was given the task on a more permanent basis, he put some time into his set shot routine and was excellent in front of goals..

I recon our permanent forwards are gelous of the free kicks he was able to attract and I'm sure he was much happier to be receiving them in front of our goals than giving them away in front of the oppositions - a bit of karma.

[praha 11,267]

That kick out against Collingwood was just under 10s stuff. It slaughtered our momentum and seemed to kill off our chances. 

Had an okay season though. Still think his 2015 season was his best.

[beelzebub 23,392]

Was drafted as a fwd...lets keep that going

[QueensBirthday 186]

40 minutes ago, praha said:

That kick out against Collingwood was just under 10s stuff. It slaughtered our momentum and seemed to kill off our chances. 

Had an okay season though. Still think his 2015 season was his best.

I agree, but in his defence, there are not too many people that reach 11ft in the air to intercept. It would be shocking from his viewpoint to see how high that bloody dinosaur can reach.

 

just saying...

[DemonWA 3,941]

The fact we are going for Lever and asking Watts to assess his options suggests we see Tom as a forward in 2018. Iteresting times

[nosoupforme 3,085]

12 hours ago, Jibroni said:

I agree he showed great strength and mobility as a forward and would be a great support for Jesse; 40 goals is very achievable.

Lever in will make sure that TMac will play FWD

[bandicoot 1,395]

Super excited to see Tom up forward next year. He is a good mark, has real strength and strong endurance. I can see him top 5 goal kickers in the league. 50-60 in very achievable. 

A solid pre season with the forward coaches will see him improve even more 

[Demon Jack 7,194]

Agreed. TMac played arguably the best football of his career this year while in that key forward role. 

I was stunned to find that Tom only just turned 25 last month. It honestly feels like he's been with us for a lot longer.

[DeezNuts 624]

What I love about Tom is his endurance. Always comes first in the pre-season distance running. Could easily exhaust any backmen in the league. He really is an athlete, unassuming and should kick a few bags next year!

[Sir Why You Little 37,457]

New forward line next year

[dl4e 5,851]

A strange one our Tom. He is a very good kick for goal but his field kicking out of the backline especially is just awful. He presents well and is a good mark but when required to handball he tries to deck the worms. Yep forward line for me.

[In Harmes Way 7,869]

His success story in the forward line is another feather to the bows of the coaching staff for thinking outside the box. Despite his excellent kicking accuracy for goal, I still have to watch through my fingers with my hands over my eyes. I’m getting better at this however.

i hope he’s our next Neita.

 

[old55 23,860]

The goals are a far bigger target than field targets.

[Fat Tony 5,337]

6 minutes ago, Fifty-5 said:

The goals are a far bigger target than field targets.

And you get 30 seconds to take your kick.

[whatwhat say what 23,854]

I can’t wait to see him develop into a serious power forward

He’ll be a tough match-up for teams if he can maintain his form; big, mobile, strong, and reasonably quick

His kicking for goal definitely seems to be helped by the gaining of composure for set shots and the bigger targets of the big sticks!

He and Hogan should dovetail beautifully together, I hope

[Roger Mellie 4,205]

It'll all come down to whether he can work in sync with Hogan. I don't think they've been in the forward line together much, if at all.

Finger's crossed. I think he'll be good at set shots. Snap shots could land anywhere.

[jnrmac 20,375]

TMac is one of the drivers of the work ethic for this team. He, Jonesey, Viney all drive the team standards. He lets himself down with some decision making and execution but you can't fault his endeavour and willingness to do what it takes for the team.

Was dirty on missing finals and is driven to make amends for it. It's no surprise to me that Watts is out of the team as his attitude and work ethic are polar opposites to the leadership group. They had their say on the matter and are now demanding complete buy-in. Thats a good thing. 

[GoD's67 111]

TMac will be better at FF as he only has to worry about goals. He has become a great set shot for goal, somewhat surprisingly to me and the goal he got against the WCE, showed his strength and how he can keep the ball in and around the goals with his tackling & pressure. Team seems much better balanced with Lever going into backline and Tommy to FF.

Lever           OMac         Jetta                          (OMac can feed ball to Lever who has VG vision)

Salem          Frost          Hibberd                     (Salem can drop back and become designated to take the kickout, also Frost has Salem /

                                                                             Hibberd who he can hand off the ball when under pressure )

Hunt             Oliver          Lewis                         (Hunt speeding into forward line and kicking barrels at goal, at least once for the season!)

Melksham   Hogan        Petracca                    (Hogan & Petracca providing marking targets and both have great vision)

Garlett         TMac          Harmes                       (Garlett & Harmes speed and tackling pressure) 

Gawn           Jones         Viney                            (Gawn fit to have a big year, giving Viney, Jones & Oliver armchair service)

ANB             Brayshaw   Tyson                           (Provides great depth to the midfield and ANB also can go up forward)  

#22 Hannan, Bugg, Stretch, J Smith, Weideman or Pedo       (Depends what we need for team balance on the day)         

I know I'm derailing thread but couldn't find the best 22 thread!

Some luck with injuries, the draw doesn't have many 6 day breaks, and we should be good to finally make the eight!

 

 

   

[The Mighty Demons 856]

G'day all!

It's your resident Demon highlight guy here with a little something to whet the appetite in the lead up to 2018!

So without any further ado, here's Tommy Mac kicking his 23 majors from 2017. Fingers crossed he's good to go for round 1!

Plenty more to come during the season! Also happy to accept requests if there's a highlight reel you'd like to see!

Edited March 14, 2018 by The Mighty Demons

[In Harmes Way 7,869]

41 minutes ago, The Mighty Demons said:

G'day all!

It's your resident Demon highlight guy here with a little something to whet the appetite in the lead up to 2018!

So without any further ado, here's Tommy Mac kicking his 23 majors from 2017. Fingers crossed he's good to go for round 1!

Plenty more to come during the season! Also happy to accept requests if there's a highlight reel you'd like to see!

Great work MD. Thanks for this.

loved reliving that last goal vs WCE and Goody’s subsequent reaction.

also enjoyed seeing Chunk give Lynden Dunn a friendly nudge in the QB game after the free kick was given. ?